Christmas break is one of my favorite times — slow mornings, cozy afternoons, family time… and kids (sometimes one kid…sometimes all of them) who suddenly forget how to entertain themselves.

Whether your kids go to school or you homeschool, Christmas break usually means one thing:
your home gets louder, messier and a whole lot more chaotic.
Routines shift, energy gets big and the house can go from calm to crazy in about five seconds.

But here’s the good news…Christmas break doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
With a few simple rhythms, your home can feel peaceful — and your kids can stay busy, happy and connected.

Here’s what we do in our home (and it keeps everyone sane… especially me)

1. Start the Day with a Simple, Predictable Rhythm

Kids do better when they know the plan — even during break.

We try to keep bedtime and wake-up time the same all year long. Everyone sleeps better, behaves better and honestly… we’re all happier. It’s actually proven that waking up around the same time helps our bodies function better.

Our simple morning rhythm looks like:

• breakfast
  
• make beds
  
• one small reset around the house
  
• a creative activity (Lego, piano practice, coloring, reading)

It’s not strict — just enough structure to keep the day from spiraling.

2. Have One Cozy Afternoon Activity

One simple thing a day keeps the “Mom, I’m boooored!” moments away.

Some of our favorites:

• bake something simple (cookies, brownies, banana bread)
  
• movie + snack
  
• board game hour
  
• nature walk + hot cocoa
  
• crafting (ornaments, cards, countdown chains)
  
• a quick coffee run (the kids love this too)

This isn’t about creating a Pinterest Christmas —
just cozy, meaningful moments that bring everyone together.

3. Afternoon Chores to Keep the House from Falling Apart

Kids at home = more mess. So we keep chores super simple and part of the day.

Each kid gets ONE job in the afternoon:

• wipe bathroom counters
  
• tidy living room
  
• unload the dishwasher
  
• vacuum one area
  
• take out trash

It’s quick, it gives them ownership and it keeps the house from snowballing into overwhelm. 

4. Protect Quiet Time (Yes — Even During Break)

This is truly my sanity saver.

Every afternoon, all three kids get quiet time before dinner:

• reading
  
• drawing
  
• puzzles
  
• listening to music or an audiobook
  

Not screens — just quiet.

They decompress… and so do I. It keeps the chaos down and the peace up.

5. Keep Evenings Slow + Cozy

Kids remember the feeling of the season — not the schedule.

We keep evenings simple:

• candles
  
• Christmas lights
  
• simple dinners (crockpot, 30 minute, sheet pan, one pot)
  
• a family show or game night
  

Slow evenings help everyone settle for the next day. We keep bedtimes consistent — with a little wiggle room on Fridays and Saturdays.

Friend, You Can Have a Peaceful Christmas Break

You don’t need a full schedule, a ton of activities or a perfectly planned week.

Just:

• simple rhythms
  
• clear expectations
  
• cozy moments
  
• and margin for rest
  

Your kids don’t need a supermom…They just need you — calm, present and not running on empty.

If you want calmer days through Christmas (and beyond)…

The Simplified Home will help you build peaceful rhythms for kids, routines, and your home — so December feels lighter, calmer, and actually enjoyable.

Simple resets. Kid-friendly rhythms. A calmer home… even when everyone is home all day.

👉 Start your calm December here → The Simplified Home

Love and Support,

Billie-Jo